Let me start by saying I do NOT smoke cigarettes. I do not plan on starting up, but I have no problems with people who do. My parents smoke, some of my best friends smoke... I really do not care, because it is their decision and I respect that.

Recently (more specifically, TODAY) I heard on the news the province of Ontario is starting a ban on smoking in restaurant patios and they are going to eliminate all designated smoking rooms in bars (Smoke-free Living - Toronto Public Health). Incredibly dumb. Smoking in restaurants and bars isn't allowed where I'm living, so many customers go out on the patio for a quick smoke before returning inside. This is no longer an acceptable thing, apparently, because it is "unhealthy to non-smokers on the patio" or something like that.

Like I said, I don't smoke, and this is ridiculous. They're OUTSIDE the building. It's not like any smoker would puff smoke right into someone else's face or anything, it'll just get carried away by air. That's why it's allowed OUTSIDE. Next it's going to be "NO SMOKING WHILE WALKING/STANDING OUTSIDE OF YOUR PROPERTY". I guess to the government, smokers are like the plague and must be confined to their own homes - or at least, for now, away from patios.

Obviously, this particular ban isn't universal, and I'm sure it's probably different by city, so what are the bans in your hometown? Do they already have this ridiculousness? Do they still allow indoor smoking? What do you think about this particular ban? Is it going too far, or do you agree with the city that it is unfair to non-smokers who just want to go out on the patio for some fresh air? COMMENT!